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Singer Walter Hawkins Died today

American gospel music singer, Walter Hawkins has died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday 11th July, 2010. Walter Hawkins older brother, Edwin Hawkins says Walter passed away July 11 after losing a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Bishop Walter Hawkins was one of the most beloved pastors and figures in contemporary Gospel Music today. In the Forty plus years of his career, he has had distinguished career writing and singing some of the most beloved songs of gospel music.

Walter Hawkins produced his first gospel songs “Oh Happy Day” with his group. This song became one of the first gospel songs crossing mainstream music charts. In the 1970s Walter Hawkins left the group to establish the Love Center Church in Oakland, California.

Since 1975, he consisted of at least 14 albums and created a widespread catalog of music both as a solo artist and with his family ensemble. Hawkins studied for his divinity degree at the University of California at Berkeley, where he recorded his first album entitled “Do Your Best” in 1972.

He and his Love Center Choir, which was established in the 1970s, had considerable success with their love-alive series, which collectively sold over a million copies of the 70s through the 90s.

61 years old, Walter Hawkins established his career working together with artists like rocker Van Morrison, R&B star Jeffrey Osborne, actress Diahann Carroll and the late disco king Sylvester; to gospel greats like Richard Smallwood, Donald Lawrence, Mississippi Mass Choir and the Williams Brothers.

He is survived by his two children, Trystan Hawkins and R&B singer Walter “Jamie” Hawkins. Walter Hawkins Funeral arrangements are pending. The music industry was saddened by the news of Hawkins passing.